Columbia Memorial Hospital is a major employer for graduates from the Clatsop Community College nursing program and when that program was threatened by budget cuts the Hospital stepped up to make a significant donation to keep it alive. The relationship between the two organizations has been a good one as CMH Chief Operating Officer Eric Thorsness points to the display of student artwork in his hospital that came from CCC and the many times the two organizations have found ways to support each other.

That collaboration was recognized further Monday afternoon as members of the Hospital board and the CCC board gathered to recognize the contributions of CMH. College president Larry Gallizio presented hospital CEO Eric Thorsness with the 'Spirit Of Clatsop" award. A crystal trophy that isn't given every year and only to those individuals and organizations that have contributed significantly to the health and well-being of the College.